LIVINGSTON, La. – The Livingston Parish School Board voted Thursday (Jan. 23) evening to appoint Denham Springs resident Cecil Harris to serve as the District 5 member, filling the vacancy left by former member Buddy Mincey, Jr., who resigned earlier this year to take on his newly elected position of State Representative.
Harris, who is a former executive for an education publishing company, will hold the appointed seat until voters can elect a new board member this fall. The governor must declare the special election. Harris said he plans to run for the elected position at that time.
“I’ve enjoyed a career in the educational field that I believe can serve me well in this new position. I’ve worked with school leaders in this district, across the state and throughout the southeast region, to offer improved textbooks, technology and software for students,” Harris said. “I’m looking forward to working with this administration now as a board member to continue to advance educational opportunities in Livingston Parish.”
Harris, who is a graduate and Athletic Hall of Fame member of Denham Springs High School, holds a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision from Southeastern Louisiana University. He also has a minor in special education.
Harris taught and coached for three years in the Livingston Parish Public School System before taking a supervisor position with the Louisiana Department of Education in the Health and Physical Education division. He later moved his career to the private sector, working as
regional vice president for an educational publishing company for several years before opening his own company, Pinnacle Education, which he operated for nearly five years before retiring.
Harris’ wife, Margaret Harris, worked as a teacher in Livingston Parish Schools before retiring. Their three sons all attended school in the Denham Springs district.
Harris received seven favorable votes for the appointment, from David “Bo” Graham, Jan Benton, Bradley Harris, Jeff Cox, Brad Sharp, Frank Parrino and Devin Gregoire. Kellee Hennessy Dickerson was absent.